<p>I think five years can be the right pace for some students. Friend’s son is doing an engineering degree at our state U. He has some learning issues so he reads and works slowly (but meticulously). By stretching out his degree over 5 years, he has greatly reduced the stress and pressure, is doing a good job academically and been able to participate in an EC that is very important to him. It’s costing an extra $18k and is worth every penny! Added bonus: The extra summer between 4th and 5th year has given him more time to work in different industries. He has a number of job offers in hand and more self-knowledge about which is a good fit.</p>